A proposed pricing structure for the new $46 million Cromwell event centre has come under fire from Cromwell Community Board member Mike Casey, who warns the facility is being undervalued before the doors even open. 

The community board met on Tuesday (November 25) to review a tiered fee schedule designed to ensure the new venue remains affordable for local groups while charging for businesses. 

The report presented to the board suggested a 70/30 split, aiming for 70 per cent community use and 30 per cent commercial, with ratepayers expected to subsidise roughly 66 per cent of the facility’s operating costs. 

Under the proposal, a commercial operator would pay $1,800 to hire the main auditorium for a full day, while a non-profit community group would pay just $560 for the same slot. 

However, Mike challenged the figures, arguing the commercial rates were set far too low for a facility of this calibre. 

The replacement for the Cromwell Memorial Hall is scheduled to open mid-2026. Image: The Central App

He cautioned the board against adopting a ‘deficit mindset’ from day one. 

"I think that’s the wrong approach from the word go," he said. 

He argued by capping commercial revenue so low, the board risked anchoring the facility's financial performance to a loss, rather than testing what the market would actually pay. 

He pointed to the private sector, suggesting the board needed to benchmark its rates against hotels and conference venues in Queenstown and Wānaka. 

Mike’s concerns found immediate support with other elected members, and board chair Anna Harrison and Cromwell ward councillor Sarah Brown echoed his sentiment that the proposed commercial

pricing needed further thought by council staff. 

However, council group manager for community experience David Scoones said staff needed some pricing guidance immediately to handle a growing list of booking enquiries. 

"[We have] quite a few people starting to enquire," he said. 

He noted community groups in particular wanted some certainty to start planning their 2026 calendars. 

The new Cromwell events centre is under construction on Melmore Terrace overlooking Lake Dunstan. Image: The Central App

To balance the two needs, the board directed staff to go back and lift the bar on the commercial pricing structure, while effectively giving the green light for community bookings to proceed under the proposed lower rates. 

The board suggested the RSA not be charged for its use of the new facility.

The meeting also tackled the thorny issue of what to call the building. 

Replacing the old Cromwell Memorial Hall, the new facility has faced an identity crisis: should it retain the "Cromwell memorial" title to honour the RSA legacy, or adopt a name like "Central Otago Events Centre" to reflect its regional scope? 

Rather than selecting a shortlist of names for the public to be consulted on, the board opted for an open mind. 

Sarah told The Central App after the meeting the board asked for a "short, sharp" community consultation early next year to gather ideas for an English name, which will sit alongside a te reo Māori name gifted by mana whenua. 

Sarah described the plan as a "member-led" process designed to avoid constraining the community with pre-selected options. 

A workshop on the topic is scheduled for February 4, with the public campaign to follow. 

The proposed price of admission: 

The auditorium - full day (8am-11pm) 

• Commercial (Proposed): $1,800 (Board has directed this be increased) 
• Community (Ticketed): $650 
• Community (Non-ticketed): $560 

The auditorium - evening session (5hrs) 

• Commercial (Proposed): $650 (Board has directed this be increased) 
• Community (Ticketed): $425 
• Community (Non-Ticketed): $350 

Large flexible space - full day 

• Commercial (Proposed): $500 (Board has directed this be increased) 
• Community (Ticketed): $350 
• Community (Non-Ticketed): $250 

Medium community space - hourly

• Commercial (Proposed): $90 (Board has directed this be increased) 
• Community (Ticketed): $30
• Community (Non-Ticketed): $20

Who fits which tier? 

• Commercial: Businesses, profit-driven events 
• Community 1: Local groups charging an entry fee (e.g. theatre shows) 
• Community 2: Local groups with free/donation entry (e.g. meetings)